Post all airshow-related items here. Please keep the postings as informative and to-the-point as possible. Refrain from postings with the sole intention to communicate whether you like the show or not, unless accompanied by arguments that can help others.
US Navy – P3C: We are in advanced communication with Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30) Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida with a view to it sending a P3C 'Orion' Maritime Patrol aircraft. VP-30 is the training unit for Orion crews and traditionally a loyal supporter of the Air Tattoo
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Avro Lancaster PA474 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Heavy Bomber Flying
Hawker Hurricane Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Fighter Aircraft Flying
Supermarine Spitfire Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Fighter Aircraft Flying
• A400M: The Air Tattoo is working with the Royal Air Force, DE&S, EADS and Airbus Military to secure an A400M for this summer's airshow. Though planning is still at an early stage, it is likely that the RAF's next-generation airlifter will make an appearance at Fairford in July as part of the airshow's Skylift 2012 theme.
• News: Last week, two teams from the Air Tattoo visited senior military representatives at the US, Dutch, Canadian, Danish and United Arab Emirates' embassies. Feedback from all was very positive and it is very likely that in addition to the aircraft already on the cards from some of these countries, there will undoubtedly be more aircraft to follow. Despite the financial hardships being felt within all of the world's air forces, the Air Tattoo is rated highly by everyone and, importantly, is used as a valuable meeting place for them – at all levels.
Army Air Corps: Talks are at an advanced stage with the Army Air Corps to bring two Apaches and a Lynx to the Air Tattoo for the flying display. At last week's European Airshow Council convention in Brussels, the Air Tattoo delegation caught up with George Bacon, of the AAC, who said he felt it was looking extremely positive for a display by the three aircraft. He said: "We have stopped short of resurrecting the Blue Eagles as a full display team but that remains an option for 2013." He also said there was an 'outside chance' that the AAC could also send a Wildcat, the latest version of the Lynx, for static display. George said: "We've managed to free up a crew and flying hours to make a display possible, subject, of course, to any operational commitments. Despite the various cutbacks that stemmed from the Government's Strategic Defence and Security Review, I'm delighted that the Army Air Corps remains in full recruiting posture."
Norwegian Air Force: At the European Airshow Council convention in Brussels last week, a representative of the Norwegian Air Force said he was optimistic that a C-130J from his country would be joining the static line-up at Fairford this summer.
South Korea: Though we have 'ambered' the country before, we feel justified in 're-ambering' South Korea, following a second visit to Fairford yesterday (February 29), by a delegation representing the Republic of Korea Air Force. Engineers, Korean industry representatives, a pilot from The Black Eagles Aerobatic Display Team and attaches from the Republic of Korea Embassy met with a team for the Air Tattoo to discuss a wide variety of issues relating to the very exciting prospect of this Asian team appearing at Fairford in July – an event that would mark their first ever appearance in the West. The feedback from the meeting was that it was very constructive and that no major hurdles were identified. Discussions remain ongoing.
+ Boeing E-6B Mercury VQ-4 Sqn Strategic Command
+ Walter Extra-300 L (x5) Royal Jordanian Falcons Aerobatic Team
Oman: The Air Tattoo received a very supportive and generous letter recently from the Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman stating that not only did he hope to attend the airshow this summer but that it was his intention that either one of his air force's new A320s or one of its "venerable" C130H aircraft would participate. We are looking forward to receiving confirmation in due course.
UK: A constructive and positive meeting was held recently with the UK's Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) with regards the participation of its assets at the Air Tattoo in July. Though still to be confirmed, the ambition would be to see a Chinook for the flying display – a display that never fails to delight the crowds - plus a Chinook, Puma and Merlin for the static park.
+ Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey TBA Tactical Transport Flying
+ Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey TBA Tactical Transport Static
+ Beechcraft Model 18 Carlo Ferrari Light Transport Static
Accordin to the RJAF website:
The Royal Jordanian Falcons team presently consist of 5 Extra-300 L aerobatic aircraft. The team headquarters has recently been transferred by Royal Decree to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba (Red Sea), in an effort to enhance tourism and investment there.
USAF: The 48th Fighter Wing of the US Air Force, based at RAF Lakenheath, has written indicating that it hopes to be able to support this summer's Air Tattoo with both HH-60s and F-15s. The letter goes on to state: "Our support will be contingent on the 48th Fighter Wing's operational needs in order to support our current real world commitments".
UAE: Though not yet confirmed, we anticipate that the United Arab Emirates' Al Fursan team, which will be making its European debut at RIAT in July, will be supported by a C-17.
NEWS: Regretfully, we have received notification from the Commander of the Latvian Air Force that "due to some unforeseen circumstances the Latvian Air Force won't be able to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo." They had been due to send a Mi-17 helicopter.
Why would you want to invite to your party this British comedian who first made a name for himself in the 1970s? And for the same reason, the members of this post-punk band who share their surnames with 'a Tony', ' a pirate', 'a copper' and 'a minor'?
Got it yet?
Sounds like what Marie Curie, Joan of Arc and Brigitte Bardot would all be called in Paris . . .!
De Zamboni heeft kramp in zijn achterwiel Jan Maarten Smeets, Heerenveen 31 oktober 2009
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